More than just a pretty face, Melissa Dill-Behnke has had incredible accomplishments most could only dream of. She’s visited thirty-two countries, resided in five, represented a foreign state in an international beauty pageant, and served as that nation’s goodwill ambassador. Read about her inspirational story and see how this beauty queen has impacted others in “Crowning Glory.”
Melissa has been a long time friend and supporter of the PageantCast and has appeared on a number of archived episodes (but I may re-release them…..)
Atlantic City, NJ (December 9, 2016) – Thisweek,Miss America 2017 Savvy Shields traveled the country to participate in ribbon cutting ceremonies for Gray Television stations in Davenport, IA, Green Bay, WI, and Sioux Falls, SD.
Savvy had the opportunity to tour the set of the new KSFY station in Sioux Falls with Gray Television’s EVP Kevin Latek and also attended a meet and greet with the station staff. Later, Savvy received some happy holiday news that brought her to Sanford Hospital where she met with her youngest fan.
Worthing, SD, couple Molly and Jay Scheidt welcomed their first child on Monday night. A lifelong fan of the Miss America Competition, Molly was tuned in to ABC live when Savvy won the title this past September in Atlantic City. Molly said she knew immediately the name she wanted for her daughter – Savvy.
Such a small world to end a whirlwind week in the life of Miss America. Savvy was delighted to participate in the Gray Television openings and was so pleased to welcome the newest member of the Sheidt Family as the holiday season draws near.
TAMPA, Florida, Nov. 21, 2016 — The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization (MAOTeen) announced today that is has reached a significant milestone. Since its inception in 2005, MAOTeen has now paid over $1,000,000 in cash scholarships to over 200 colleges and universities on behalf of our participants.
MAOTeen Board Chair Donna Bozarth said it was humbling to hit the $1,000,000 mark. “We look at today as just our first down payment on giving future generations the ability to access higher education,” she said. “This is only the beginning.”
Michaela McLean, Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen 2014, is on her way to obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. An Honor Roll student, Michaela found the process of affording a college education difficult. “I am so happy that I am attending the University of Alabama! I am so thankful to MAOTeen and the scholarships they provide that helped me attend college.”
Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2011, Lacey Russ, graduated from Oral Roberts University and is now working full time as a Campus Visits Coordinator at ORU. “My three and a half years at ORU were more shaping, challenging, rewarding and joyful than I could ever express. I could never say thank you enough to the MAOTeen Organization for making it possible for me to graduate debt free.
“Scholarships are not just an abstract concept. They help students reach their dreams,” said Kim Parrish, President of MAOTeen. “And, as you know about the talented and articulate young women that participate in our program, they have big dreams. They want to change the world and make a difference.”
Visit the Miss America Shop to purchase the 2017 Miss America Contestant Interview DVD! The DVD includes judges interviews with Miss America 2017 Savvy Shields, Miss South Carolina Rachel Wyatt, Miss Washington Alicia Cooper, Miss Florida Courtney Sexton, Miss New York Camille Sims, Miss Mississippi Laura Lee Lewis, and Miss Nebraska Aleah Peters
ABOUT THE MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION The Miss America Organization, a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, is the nation’s leading advocate for women’s education and the largest provider of scholarship assistance to young women in the United States, awarding millions of dollars annually. The Miss America Organization is comprised of 52 licensed organizations, including all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Miss America contestants contribute tens of thousands of community service hours annually and have raised over $14 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Miss America scholarships since 2007.
Jessica Smith, 2016/2017 Elite Mrs. Global United Queen
Jessica Smith from Chino Valley, Arizona wins International Title of the 2016/2017 Elite Mrs. Global United Queen. She is 32 Years old and a wife to Darin Smith and mother to 2 beautiful girls- Ariel and Chloe. She is a 3 time multiple cancer survivor. She has her own organization called SCORE-Supporting Cancer Out-Reach & Education. She volunteers for multiple organizations including being on the committee for the Relay for Life.
27 Contestants ages 13 to 83 gathered in Minneapolis, MN this July 20-23, 2016 for a week of fun, friendship, and a chance to become one of the Five New International Global United Pageant™ Queens.
Pageant week was filled with great events and opportunities for the delegates to get some great treats and give back to the communities around them, including trips to the Mall of America for shopping and mini golf, Pajama Parties and blanket tie night with baggie and card assembly, the Gold Ribbon Banquet and more.
The week’s highlight, undoubtedly, was on Friday afternoon when the contestants gathered at the Rhonald McDonald House to host a party for the patients undergoing treatment for many life threatening illnesses. Over 70 children and their siblings were treated to face painting, cupcake decorating, temporary tattoos, Tied blankets or pillows, gift bags, games and princess crowns or hero capes. With a few tears, but a lot of joy, the contestants were feeling very grateful to be a part of this event to brighten the day of the patients there.
Competition began Saturday at the Ramada Airport Hotel and Resort with Interviews and competitions in the morning and that evening finale began with the final pageant and crowning at the Hopkins High School.
Global United Pageant ™ Winners
*Teen Miss Global United 2016/2017
FelicityTrinh, Australia
*Ms Global United 2016/2017
Charlotte Burbidge, Australia
*Mrs Global United 2016/2017
Tracie Chan, Malaysia
*Elite Mrs Global United 2016/2017
Jessica Smith, Arizona USA
*Classic Ms Global United 2016/2017
Robbie Canner, Australia
*Global United Ambassadors 2016/2017
Alexanrda Perez, Venezuela
Melony Butler, Minnesota USA
ABOUT GLOBAL UNITED PAGEANT™
Global United Pageant™ is founded in the idea that there is a need for programs for women to be celebrated less for their good looks, but instead for those who have the true beauty within themselves.
The Global United Pageant is committed to seeking contestants and title holders who exemplify the beauty that comes from serving others in the community and pairs with organizations from all over the world to give to those in need.
Though many of the pageant’s donations and partnering organizations change form year to year, one remains constant: Isaac’s Journey. In honor of the director’s friend and in memory of her son, who passed away due to childhood cancer, the Global United Pageant™ permanently partner with Isaac’s Journey to help raise funds for childhood cancer research.
This is why our crowns hold the dimensional ribbon: to represent childhood cancer awareness.
Additionally, each contestant, as a part of their application process, will also submit a list of organizations with which they wish to partner. If chosen as one of the international titleholders, one of their named charities in their application will receive at least 50.00 in honor of the winning titleholder. In this sense, every contestant has a say in how the program will run each year, lending a very personal aspect to the pageant for everyone involved.
Tampa, FL – November 30, 2016 – Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, Inc. (MAOTeen) is honored to be among the nonprofit finalists for the 12th Annual WEDU Be More Awards.
Utilizing a panel of impartial judges who spent weeks reviewing applications and nominations, WEDU, West Central Florida’s primary PBS station, will recognize nonprofit organizations and individuals who were nominated for honors in a variety of categories. MAOTeen is a finalist Warren Averett People’s Choice Award.
This prestigious award exhibits the connection and relationship the organization has with the community and the people it serves by allowing area citizens to honor the nonprofit that they feel most exemplifies the spirit of the community. The winner in this category is chosen by public online voting in a poll. We invite all of our supporters to visit this page and vote! Voting closes Wednesday, December 6th at Noon Eastern. You can vote once every 24 hours.
MAOTeen’s “Presidential Project” is also nominated for the top Nielsen Marketing Campaign Award. This award recognizes the execution of creative and results-driven original marketing campaigns using multimedia platforms including, but not limited to, broadcast, print, social media and/or grassroots awareness campaigns.
“We are so excited for this honor and thrilled for the opportunity to celebrate our success,” said Kim Parrish, President of MAOTeen. “Our impact in the community is profound. Our organization is a strong example of how, together, we can change and improve lives.”
“The driving force behind the WEDU Be More Awards is not just simply to recognize the tremendous work and selfless acts that our area organizations and volunteers provide, but also to provide a level of awareness and understanding for these organizations that rely so heavily on the support of the community they serve. Organizations that participate in the WEDU Be More Awards report an increase in inquiries from potential volunteers, donors, and people interested in or in need of their services,” said Allison Hedrick, WEDU Vice President of Communications.
About Miss America’s Outstanding Teen
One of the nation’s leading achievement programs, the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization encourages positive achievement by helping to nurture and build the scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement of our nation’s youth. In the past decade, MAOTeen has paid over $1 million in cash scholarships to more than 200 colleges and universities, while developing mentoring programs and community-based initiatives across the country. MAOTeen has a long-standing relationship with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, raising more than $100,000 this year to help improve the lives of children nationwide. Additional information about the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization can be found at www.maoteen.org.
Atlantic City, NJ (December 9, 2016) – 
Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2011, Lacey Russ, graduated from Oral Roberts University and is now working full time as a Campus Visits Coordinator at ORU. “My three and a half years at ORU were more shaping, challenging, rewarding and joyful than I could ever express. I could never say thank you enough to the MAOTeen Organization for making it possible for me to graduate debt free.
Tampa, FL – November 30, 2016